Sri Vijaya Puram, May 20: Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, has taken up the matter with the Lt. Governor of the A&N Islands requesting of his intervention to formulate a free/reimbursable transportation scheme for patients referred from remote Inter-Islands to GB Pant Hospital, Sri Vijayapuram, for emergency or specialized treatment. A copy of the letter has also been endorsed to the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Health & Family Welfare Minister for their kind consideration.
Mr. Ray said that during his tour across the Inter-Islands, he came across numerous cases where patients particularly from underprivileged families were referred to GB Pant Hospital due to the lack of adequate medical facilities in the remote islands. These patients often requiring immediate care are transported via helicopter or ship depending on the urgency. However, the cost of such emergency transport for both the patient and accompanying attendants borne by the patient’s family, which is causing substantial financial strain on vulnerable households.
He emphasized that under the Ayushman Bharat scheme (PM-JAY), including its predecessor ANIISHI, referral patients sent to mainland hospitals are eligible for reimbursement of travel costs for both the patient and one attendant. He stressed that it would be both logical and just to extend similar benefits to patients referred within the Union Territory, particularly to GB Pant Hospital, which acts as the apex referral center for the entire A&N Islands.
Recognizing the unique geographic and logistical challenges of the archipelago, Mr. Ray, MP has urged the Lt. Governor to consider formulating an appropriate scheme free or reimbursable inter-island medical transportation, which will serve as a critical lifeline for remote island residents in times of medical emergencies. He noted that such a step would reaffirm the Administration’s commitment to equitable and inclusive healthcare access.
In the letter, the MP also suggested that, in the absence of a new scheme, provisions for inter-island referrals may be incorporated into the existing guidelines issued by the State Health Agency (SHA),A&N Islands vide Notification No. M-17030(SHA)/1/2023/-SHA-ANI-Health-AN/657 dated 20th June 2025, which governs referral cases under the health insurance framework.
The MP has expressed hope that the Administration will give this matter top priority and take compassionate action in the interest of the islanders, particularly those residing in the most remote and medically underserved areas of the UT.
